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what could they do? The day that a small band of vassals could raise rebellion is over. It is the small people of Roselynde who will be her bulwarkthe huntsmen with their long bows; the thieves from the stews of the town, with their long knives; the fishermen with their boats that overturn and their nets that tangle. They must know only that the lady's word is the law." |
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That appeal silenced him. He was not so sure that the day a band of vassals could raise rebellion was over, but he was not going to put that idea into Alinor's head. In any case, it was horrible enough to think of Alinor in the power of a Fulk or a Henry, but Ian knew Alinor for a strong and resolute woman. The idea of Joanna, whom he had cradled in his arms and who still appeared to him as fragile and helpless as a new spring flower, faced with such a threat was inconceivably worse. His arms came up and drew Alinor close against him. She laid her head against his breast. After a moment, however, she lifted it. It was most unwise to allow Ian to think over their conversation at any length, or he would begin to find new doubts. A healthy distraction was in order. |
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"Ian, did you have speech with Sir Peter of Clyro Hill? He was avoiding me these past few days, I think, although I cannot be sure because" she bit Ian gently, "because I was taken up with other things. And today, after the swearing, I wished most earnestly to speak with him, but Lady Ela nearly drove me out of my mind. How Salisbury has not murdered her, I will never understand. First she would not go because she was too weary, and after dinner was too late to begin a journey. Then she would go because the packing was all done, and it was too much to draw forth the garments she would need for the extra time. Then she would not because all the worry had made her breath short. Then" |
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"Enough," Ian laughed. "She may have been a trial to you, but Salisbury sets a great value on her and is fond |
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